A report from financial services company AXA UK and independent financial analyst Douglas McNeill has predicted massive savings for the logistics industry from the use of driverless vehicles. The report, The Future of Driverless Haulage, cites four factors: labour, fuel, insurance and vehicle utilisation.

If more vehicles were computer-controlled, claims the report, cost reductions would come from the need for fewer drivers, fuel-efficient driving, lower insurance costs (if it means vehicles are less prone to accidents), and the lack of labour restrictions such as working hours.

The report estimates savings of between £19.5 billion and £47.5 billion over 10 years, averaging approximately £34 billion. AXA foresee driverless vehicles making freight cheaper and the roads safer.